Bill provides small step toward new Warriors arena

SACRAMENTO (AP) — The state Assembly has approved a bill that clears a procedural step in the Golden State Warriors’ attempt to build a new arena in San Francisco.

The legislation from Democratic Assemblyman Phil Ting of San Francisco authorizes the city’s port commission to approve using waterfront land for the proposed arena. Significant public access to the site must be retained.

Democratic Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, who represents Berkeley and other communities near the Warriors’ current arena in Oakland, objected to the bill. She says lawmakers should not help the NBA team and its related jobs shift from one region to another.

The team’s owners hope to open the 18,000-seat arena for the 2017 season.

The Assembly passed AB1273 Thursday on a 50-9 vote, sending it to the Senate.